Upcoming events.
Attention:
The Pennington County Democratic Party condemns violence and harassment AND slander at ALL times. Anyone who behaves or displays or has displayed this type of behavior will not be welcome at any events we produce and/or host/sponsor.
South Dakota Senate District 34 Candidate Forum
Voters in South Dakota Senate District 34 will have an opportunity to learn more about the candidates seeking to represent them at a public forum on Wednesday, October 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Minneluzahan Senior Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The forum is one of a series, sponsored by WRAD.
Democratic candidate Michael Calabrese and Republican candidate Taffy Howard have both been invited to participate in the forum. The event will provide an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates, learn about their priorities, and gain a better understanding of their perspectives on issues affecting District 34 and South Dakota.
Michael Fell, a political strategist, will serve as moderator, guiding the discussion and helping ensure a constructive and informative conversation for attendees.
The forum is intended to give community members an opportunity to become more informed about the candidates and the choices facing voters in the upcoming election. All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Event Details
What: South Dakota Senate District 34 Candidate Forum
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 6–7 p.m.
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Minneluzahan Senior Center, Rapid City, South Dakota
Moderator: Michael Fell, Political Strategist
Candidates Invited: Michael Calabrese (Democrat) and Taffy Howard (Republican)
Organizers welcome the participation of both candidates and look forward to an informative evening focused on the issues and the future of Senate District 34.
Quarterly General Business Meeting & Chili Cook Off
Bring your appetites and join us for our quarterly general business meeting and chili cook off! We will be going over orders of business & electing a new secretary.
Labor Day Picnic
Please join us for the Labor Day Picnic at Old Storybook Island! We will enjoy good food and conversation.
September Souper Tuesday
Please join us for our September Souper Tuesday event at The Hive! It will be on September 1st at 5 PM. You can enjoy delicious soups, thoughtful conversations, and hear from this month’s candidates: Dan Ahlers for Governor, and Raeann Mettler for SD Commissioner of School and Public Lands.
Women's Equality Day
Join the Pennington County Democrats as we celebrate Women’s Equality Day with women leaders in our own community!
Rep. Uhre-Balk's Wave of Change: Back to Where it Began
From Rep. Nicole Uhre-Balk:
Join me for a relaxed afternoon at the Woodridge Clubhouse & Pool as we celebrate how far we've come since my first campaign kickoff and look ahead to the work still ahead. Whether you'd like to swim, relax poolside, catch up with friends, pick up a yard sign, or learn how to get involved in the campaign, I'd love to see you there.
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM
Woodridge Clubhouse & Pool
1102 Parkwood Road
Rapid City, SD 57701
Bring a swimsuit and towel if you'd like to enjoy the pool. Light refreshments will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
August Souper Tuesday
You won’t want to miss this event with Nicole Uhre Balk D32 and Celestine Stadnick D27! We are bringing the classroom to the Capital with this amazing teacher and principal. Ask the questions and share your concerns while enjoying delicious homemade soups and yummy apple crisp!
Quarterly Business Meeting
The agenda includes:
Approving Minutes from last meeting
Treasurer Report
McGovern Day Dinner and Convention Wrap Up
Candidate event updates
Roundup Status Sept 19, The Box Event Center
Meet Your Candidates Forum
Join us for a candidate forum with moderator Jeff Kingsbury. All candidates from local to legislative will participate. Questions from the audience are encouraged!
July Souper Tuesday
Join us for Souper Tuesday on July 7th, at The Hive starting at 5 PM! The SD Democratic Governor Candidate will be featured!
Enjoy delicious homemade soups and speak with this month’s featured candidates!
A $20 donation at the door is suggested to support candidates’ campaigns!
Legislative Parade Floats
Join our legislative candidates and Dan Ahlers, SD Governor, Julian Beaudion, US Senate to cheer on Democracy at the July 2nd parade to celebrate America’s Birthday!
Juneteenth Freedom Day Rally
Join us for our Juneteenth Freedom Day Rally! Bring your signs and stand with us from 11 AM - 2 PM!!
June Souper Tuesday
Join us for Souper Tuesday on June 2nd, at The Hive starting at 5 PM! Senate Candidates Chris Baumgartner and Michael Calabrese will be featured!
Enjoy delicious homemade soups and speak with this month’s featured candidates!
A $20 donation at the door is suggested to support candidates’ campaigns!
Election Day
Our focus is on the June 2 municipal election and supporting our City Council candidates: Murray Lee (Ward 1), Andrea Schaefer (Ward 3), Laura Armstrong (Ward 5), and Valeriah Big Eagle (Ward 4). If you live in one of these wards, we encourage you to make a plan to vote and help spread the word to friends, neighbors, and family members. Every local election matters, and turnout can make a real difference.
A few important election reminders:
• Absentee voting is already underway and continues through 4:00 PM on Monday, June 1
• Election Day is Tuesday, June 2
Voting location information can be found here: https://vip.sdsos.gov/vipLogin.aspx
City Council Candidate Forum - Wards 2 & 4
Join us at the Dahl Arts Center for an evening of community conversation and candidate engagement, presented by the League of Women Voters of the Black Hills. Here’s who you’ll hear from:
May 14 (Wards 2 and 4)
• Ward 2: Christopher Vanderhoof & Lindsey Seachris
• Ward 4: Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle & John Roberts
Doors open at 5:30 PM, with forums running from 6:00–7:30 PM. Come hear directly from the candidates and stay informed ahead of the election.
City Council Candidate Forum - Wards 1, 3, & 5
Join us at the Dahl Arts Center for an evening of community conversation and candidate engagement, presented by the League of Women Voters of the Black Hills. Here’s who you’ll hear from:
May 7 (Wards 1, 3, and 5)
• Ward 1: Murray Lee & Josh Biberdorf
• Ward 3: Kevin Maher & Andrea Schaefer
• Ward 5: Laura Armstrong & Pat Roseland
Doors open at 5:30 PM, with forums running from 6:00–7:30 PM. Come hear directly from the candidates and stay informed ahead of the election.
May Souper Tuesday
Join us for Souper Tuesday on May 5th at The Hive starting at 5 PM!
You can enjoy delicious homemade soups and speak with this month’s featured candidates: Rep. Nicole Uhre-Balk and candidate for congress, Nikki Gronli!!
A $20 donation at the door is suggested to support candidates’ campaigns!
Town Hall with Nikki Gronli
Join us for an interactive conversation with Congressional Candidate Nikki Groni on May 4th at the Minneluzahan Senior Center. Food will be served at 5:30 PM, including sandwiches, wraps, chips and salsa, cheese and dip, fresh veggies, fruit, and dessert. Seating is limited, so be sure to mark your calendars!
Earth Day Expo
🌍 Rapid City Earth Day Expo 📅 April 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Western Dakota Technical College, Rapid City, South Dakota 🎟️ FREE & Open to All
The Rapid City Earth Day Expo at WDTC aims to raise awareness about environmental issues by bringing together local residents, students, faculty, volunteers, and staff. This year's theme is Water Conservation & Sustainability, featuring water quality testing in partnership with the Black Hills Area Community Foundation.
Rep. Nicole Uhre-Balk's Thats a Wrap! Party
We will be welcoming Rep. Nicole Uhre-Balk home with a legislative wrap party & fundraiser! “That’s a Wrap” will take place on April 23rd at 6 PM at The Dahl Arts Center.
Rep. Uhre-Balk will offer some inside details about her second legislative term and rally for her next election. The elevated gathering will feature local musicians, and a catered menu including wraps, egg rolls, a grazing table, and wine bar. $25 suggested donation will support her reelection!
City Council Candidate Forum
📣 COMMUNITY EVENT
Support our city council candidates by attending the City Council Candidate Forum on April 16th at Canyon Lake Senior Center.
Doors open at 5:30 PM—we hope to see you there!
April Souper Tuesday
Our next Souper Tuesday will be April 7th at The Hive starting at 5 PM!
Join us for delicious homemade soups, including New Orleans fare and hush puppies, with opportunities to speak with Senate Candidates: Jeff Shelton for SD District 32 and future US Senator Julian Beaudion!
A $20 donation at the door is suggested to support candidates’ campaigns!
City Council Candidate Forum & Fundraiser
Please join us on March 19th at the Dahl Arts Center at 6 PM for our Rapid City Council Candidate Forum & Fundraiser! The event will feature city council candidates Murray Lee (Ward 1), Andrea Schaefer (Ward 3), Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle (Ward 4), and Laura Armstrong (Ward 5).
Final Petition Drive
Join us for our last petition drive before the deadline to help our candidates get on the ballot! Saturday, March 14th, 10 AM - 2 PM @ Minneluzahan Senior Center
Pie Social & Petition Drive
Enjoy a slice of democracy with your Democratic candidates, including gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers, at this special petition drive and meet-and-greet. This is the final push before the petition deadline, and candidates need your help getting the signatures required to appear on the ballot.
Join us tomorrow, Saturday, March 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Minneluzahan Senior Center for coffee, pie, and conversation with candidates. You will have the chance to ask questions, learn about their priorities, and add your signature to help push them across the finish line and onto the ballot.
Bring a friend, bring your appetite, and bring your signature!
March Souper Tuesday
Souper Tuesday Series
Join us on the first Tuesday of each month, from 5–7 PM at The Hive, to get to know your candidates one-on-one while enjoying delicious homemade soups and stews.
This month’s event will feature your Rapid City Common Council Candidates!
Tickets are $20 per event, with proceeds supporting nonprofit organizations serving our local community.
This collaboration with the Tampon Tuesday Social Club creates a welcoming, hands-on way to engage in democracy while directly supporting organizations making an impact in Pennington County today.
Champagne & Chocolates Gala
Champagne & Chocolates Gala
A romantic Valentine’s evening of fine dining, music and celebration.
Join us for an elevated evening of big band music, specialty cocktails, dessert dash, silent and live auction and a special curated dining experience!
-TICKETS NOW SOLD OUT-
Guest Speakers
Congressional Candidate Billy Mawhiney
Congressional Candidate Nikki Gronli
US Senate Candidate Julian Beaudion
SD House Representative Nicole Uhre-Balk
SD Secretary of State Candidate Terrence Davis
Master of Ceremonies: Jeff Kingsbury
February Over/Under
Over/Under Social Gathering
Hosted by the Pennington County Democratic Party
📍 Aby’s, Rapid City, South Dakota
👥 Open to the public
Join us for the Over/Under February Gathering at Aby’s in Rapid City. This will be an informal evening to connect, get to know the Pennington County Democrats, and learn more about our mission and strategy. Whether you're already engaged or just curious, you're welcome here.
Come by, bring a friend, and see if this feels like a community you’d like to be part of. We’d love to meet you.